Park patrons and people who care about Lake Daranelle can now give back by helping pick up trash and other debris on National River Cleanup Day and serve the river and lake they enjoy. The cleanup is a part of an effort by the American Rivers Organization which sponsors national river cleanups at various rivers around the nation.

The event will be from 8 a.m to 1 p.m. July 7. There will be a lunch at the conclusion of the cleanup for those who volunteered.

Parks are able to set the date when they want their cleanup day held, and the organization provides all the neccesities to get it started.

Last year was the first time for Lake Dardanelle State Park to host the event. Elizabeth Drake, the park’s interpreter, said they are hoping for an even bigger and better turn out this year, adding it is really important to keep the river and lake clean so everyone can continue to enjoy the park.

“It’s a place to enjoy,” Drake said. “People are recreating and having fun. It’s their park. We’re giving back to the environment. We’re helping and protecting wildlife and their habitats.”

Last year the group of volunteers collected 20 cubic yards of trash which consisted of 300 pounds of tires, 250 pounds of metal and steel, 150 pounds of plastic containers, and 100 pounds of combined litter. The cleanup was done in the water and along the shoreline.

This year Boy and Girl Scouts will be part of the groups that clean up trash along the shoreline, but many more volunteers are still needed. The park’s 20 kayaks will be available for those that want to clean up in the water. That means any group — Sunday school classes, fraternities and sororities, or youth and adult sports teams — can take part in the effort to lend a hand to cleaning up the park.

Drake also encourages those who may already be bringing their boat to the lake that day to help out. There will be a trailer for trash at both big landing ramps. Boaters can just help haul in trash while they’re out on the water.

For those wishing to use a kayak, you can call and register in advance at 967-5516. For more information about American River cleanup days, go to www.americanrivers.org.